Hilary Duff Said She Received ‘Zero Education’: What Are the Rules for Child Stars’ Schooling?

Hilary Duff was famous as a child, which she admits had an impact on her education. In a recent conversation, Duff said she got zero education as a child. What are the rules regarding education for child stars like Duff?

Hilary Duff said she didn’t have much education as a child

In a recent conversation on the Table Manners Podcast, Duff discussed her life as a child star. She began acting as a child and, especially once she booked the lead role on Lizzie McGuire, spent a great deal of time on set. As a result, she said she essentially got “zero education” as a child.

“I know a lot about a lot of things,” she said. “My mom was like, ‘Can you just go get your GED?’”

She said she doesn’t have any intention of returning to school at this point in her life.

“I’m past the window of caring that my education wasn’t great because I feel like I got strengths in other areas, and it kind of helps,” she said. “And I’m not shy to ask a question about something.”

Duff added that everything she needs to know is accessible now because of search engines. She doesn’t feel embarrassed about her education.

“I know that my life was different than most, and I don’t need to be embarrassed that I don’t know when, like, a certain war took place,” she said. “There’s Google for that and ChatGPT.”

She added that her son, Luca, teaches her things when she doesn’t know.

What are the education laws for child stars like Hilary Duff?

Education requirements for child actors vary from state to state. SAG-AFTRA encouraged the parents of child actors to establish a solid relationship with their schools.

“Each school must work under the jurisdiction of the local school districts in which the minors reside; out-of-state home school arrangements are not automatically recognized. Parents should establish a solid working relationship with the minor’s school as soon as possible.”

If a project requires a child actor to be on set for three or more consecutive days, they must provide a teacher.

She spoke about another impact of early fame

On the song “The Optimist” off her latest album Luck…or Something, Duff sings about her relationship with her father.

“I wish I could sleep on planes / And that my father would really love me / He’d show up on my wedding day / And tell my family they’re all so lucky / He’d tell me how he wish he’d stayed / And that he never meant to disappoint me / But ’til then I’ll exist as the optimist,” she sings in the chorus. 

She said she thinks her childhood stardom impacted her relationship with her father. At this point in her life, she said they sometimes go for stretches without speaking.

“I think it’s really challenging for one person to have major success in a family,” she told CBS Mornings. “In ‘The Optimist,’ that’s what it feels like for me. And I’m sure it has to feel like that for him. Although I’m the kid. And it’s been hard to get back to a place of health.”